a too cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a too cold" is not correct in written English.
It is incorrect because "too" is an adverb and should not be used with the article "a" in this context. Example: "The water is too cold for swimming."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A too-cold terrine of lobster and ham contained papaya, artichoke, guava and fresh coconut.

The New York Times - Travel

With only three choices -- a too-cold crème brûlée, a too-orangey chocolate cake and too bland ice creams -- it is a good opportunity to save money.

The New York Times - Food

Instead, as the Munson Diner molders in the ice and snow, closed yet again, consider this a too-hot tale for a too-cold winter about luck, survival, a diner and the people who loved it perhaps too much.

The New York Times

I can't count the number of times I've left my hotel room after turning off the lights and the air-conditioner, only to find upon my return that the hotel staff has turned the air-conditioner back on to a too-cold setting, and turned the lights back on, where they remained for the next eight hours.

The New York Times

A too-cold terrine of grilled vegetables and goat cheese ($7) yielded but faint flavors and a Caesar salad ($7) was routine, but a big bowl of beef barley soup of the day ($4), while not heavy or thick, made a homey mellow impression.

The New York Times

Getting a too-cold brew is close to the top of my list of most-common faults -- thankfully some patience (and hand-holding) can correct this one.

Los Angeles Times

Sleeping in a too-cold room is generally easier than sleeping in a too-hot room — you can always pile on more blankets, but you can only take so many away.

WikiHow

Her lover, Cheri Rupert Friendd), resembles an effeminate poet whose rose-lipped coldness is just a tad too cold to care about.

Independent

The weather may have played a part too – cold but dry, a perfect blend for coffee shop sales.

The Guardian - Business

Inside the luxury limousine the air conditioning was just a tad too cold, the leather upholstery a caress too soft on the buttocks.

The Guardian

But the scarcity of fiddleheads -- and nary a white bloodroot blossom -- suggested it was a bit too cold for my peepers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "a too cold". It is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use alternatives like "too cold" or "excessively cold" for better clarity and accuracy.

Common error

The word "too" is an adverb and doesn't take an article like "a" or "an". Remember to use "too" directly before the adjective it modifies, without an intervening article.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a too cold" is grammatically incorrect as it misuses the adverb "too" with the article "a". Ludwig AI confirms that this construction does not follow standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a too cold" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in both written and spoken English. Ludwig AI indicates that the correct form is "too cold", or alternatives such as "excessively cold" can be used. The error stems from the misuse of the adverb "too" with the article "a". Therefore, always use "too cold" to accurately convey that something is colder than desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively cold

Emphasizes that the coldness is beyond what is normal or acceptable.

overly cold

Similar to "excessively cold", highlighting that the coldness is more than necessary or wanted.

uncomfortably cold

Indicates that the temperature is causing discomfort due to the cold.

bitterly cold

Describes a sharp, intense coldness, often associated with wind or harsh weather.

freezing cold

Implies a very low temperature, often near or below the freezing point of water.

frigid

A formal term for extremely cold.

icy

Suggests the presence of ice or a sensation similar to touching ice.

glacial

Evokes the image of a glacier, implying extreme coldness and slowness.

arctic

Relates to the Arctic region, signifying intense and prolonged cold.

sub-zero

Indicates a temperature below zero degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say something is colder than desired?

Instead of "a too cold", use "too cold", "very cold", or "excessively cold". For example, "The room is too cold" is correct, while "The room is a too cold" is not.

Are there other ways to express that something is excessively cold?

Yes, you can use phrases like "uncomfortably cold", "bitterly cold", or "freezing cold" to convey the intensity of the cold.

Why is the phrase "a too cold" grammatically incorrect?

The word "too" is an adverb and modifies adjectives. It doesn't combine with the article "a" in this context. The correct structure is "too + adjective".

When should I use "too cold" instead of "a too cold"?

Always use "too cold". The phrase "a too cold" is not standard English. For instance, say "The soup is too cold to eat" instead of "The soup is a too cold to eat".